Judge Portia Phahlane Complaint Referred To JCC Amid R2.4 Million Bribery Allegations

A formal complaint against Judge Portia Phahlane has been escalated to the Judicial Conduct Committee (JCC) following action by Acting Judge President Ledwaba.

In a statement, it was confirmed that Acting Judge President Ledwaba submitted the complaint to the Judicial Service Commission (JSC). The Acting Chairperson of the JCC then referred the matter to the committee in accordance with Section 16(1)(a) and (b) of the Judicial Service Commission Act 9 of 1994.

The JCC will now consider written submissions from both Acting Judge President Ledwaba, who is the complainant, and Judge Phahlane, 57, who is cited as the respondent.

Judicial Conduct Committee to Review Submissions in Judge Portia Phahlane Case

Both parties have until 27 February to file their representations. Once the submissions have been reviewed, the committee will decide on the appropriate course of action.

The statement confirmed that, as the JSC is now seized with the complaint, Judge Phahlane will not preside over any part-heard matters until the process has been concluded.

“This measure is in line with the bail conditions imposed in the ongoing criminal proceedings against her. The outcome of the JCC’s deliberations will determine the next steps in the complaint process,” read the statement.

Corruption Charges and R2.4 Million Payment Allegations

Judge Phahlane was granted R50,000 bail late last year by the Pretoria Special Commercial Crimes Court. Her son, Kagiso Phahlane, was released on R10,000 bail.

They are charged alongside co-accused Vusi Soli Ndala and Bhekumuzi Mike Sandlana, described as a leader of the International Pentecost Holiness Church.

The four accused face a total of 19 corruption charges. It is alleged that between 2021 and 2022, Ndala and Sandlana paid approximately R2.4 million on several occasions into various bank accounts, allegedly for the benefit of Judge Phahlane.

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“The payments were allegedly intended to secure her role in presiding over Sandlana’s civil matter in the High Court and to influence a favourable ruling.

Further developments are expected once the Judicial Conduct Committee has assessed the submissions from both sides.